At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage FOI requests, coordinate complaints, and support financial administration in planning services.
- Company: Local authority in South London with a commitment to transparency and community service.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate of £22.14, flexible working hours, and valuable experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a difference by ensuring public access to information and improving local governance.
- Qualifications: Experience in handling FOI requests and strong administrative skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 48000 £ per year.
Our local authority client based in South London are urgently seeking an experienced Freedom of Information Officer.
Main Purpose of the job
- To work flexibly across the planning service to provide in-depth technical and administrative support, with a primary focus on:
- Handling, monitoring and coordinating planning service complaints (including logging, tracking, performance reporting and quality assurance of responses)
- Coordinating and responding to Freedom of Information (FOI) and related information requests (including collation, redaction support and deadline management)
- Finance support including income monitoring, cost recovery, debt chasing and reconciliations; producing management information and reports
- Maintaining accurate records across relevant planning systems to support effective casework, complaints and information governance processes
Summary of Responsibilities and Personal Duties
- To manage the end-to-end administration of planning service complaints, including logging/acknowledgement, tracking deadlines, coordinating input from service areas, quality-checking draft responses and ensuring replies are issued within required timescales.
- To coordinate and respond to FOI, EIR and related information requests for the Planning Service, including liaising with officers to gather information, maintaining a clear audit trail, supporting redaction where required, and monitoring performance against statutory deadlines.
- To support financial administration for the Planning Service, including income monitoring, cost recovery, raising purchase orders, receipting invoices, chasing debt where appropriate, and producing regular reconciliations and management information.
- To undertake redaction of complex and sensitive documents to support complaints handling and information requests, ensuring personal data and legally privileged information is removed in line with GDPR, relevant exemptions and Council policies prior to disclosure.
- To provide flexible technical support to the wider Planning Service (including validation and consultation on complex planning and related applications where necessary) to help maintain service standards and performance targets.
- To proactively monitor and report on service performance for complaints, FOI/EIR and key customer enquiries, including maintaining trackers, producing regular management reports and identifying trends and improvement actions.
Freedom of Information Officer employer: 4Recruitment Services
4Recruitment Services is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and teamwork in the Buckinghamshire area. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring career growth while working in a vital role that contributes to community well-being. With provided uniforms and PPE, the company fosters a professional environment where every team member is valued and empowered to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freedom of Information Officer
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like 4Recruitment Services, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like 4Recruitment Services and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Freedom of Information Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for 4Recruitment Services and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at 4Recruitment Services
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with 4Recruitment Services, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for 4Recruitment Services.
